- Says political base shrinking with only one governor standing
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Politician and Public Affairs analyst, Oladimeji Fabiyi says despite his public bravado, the dwindling support for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike is fast becoming evident within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly among State governors.
He said unfolding events within the once touted as Nigeria’s main opposition party should give the former Rivers State governor sleepless night because the number of governors loyal to him has been shrinking by the day.
Speaking while featuring on Trust TV interview, Fabiyi noted that as things currently stand and going by the wave of defection, the governor of Adamawa State is the solitary figure identifying with the FCT Minister among the remaining PDP Governors.
Buttressing his submission, the Public Affairs analyst, queried:
“How many governors are with Wike? Only one, the governor of Adamawa State.”
He said the implications of this political re-alignment suggest that the overwhelming majority of governors have moved away from Wike’s faction, noting that the development now weakens the Minister’s ability to assert authority or effectively mobilize party structures.
Also noting that the Adamawa Governor’s loyalty stands out precisely because it is an exception rather than the norm, Fabiyi said the isolation of Wike’s faction signals a significant power shift within the PDP at the state level.
He further said the loss of support among other governors reflects broader dissatisfaction with the factional leadership, adding that many state executives have chosen to distance themselves, preferring to align with rival elements in the party.
According yo Fabiyi, the concentration of loyalty in just one governor complicates Wike’s strategic positioning, stressing that with limited allies, he cannot rely on the traditional network of governors to influence national or state-level party decisions.
Furthermore, Fabiyi said this reality exposes vulnerabilities within Wike’s faction, highlighting the challenges of consolidating power without widespread support.
He said the absence of multiple gubernatorial allies diminishes the faction’s bargaining power, noting that political survival within PDP increasingly depends on aligning with broader consensus rather than individual influence.
Fabiyi, who argued that Wike’s lack of gubernatorial support is symptomatic of his diminishing leverage, said: “This scenario is particularly consequential as the party approaches critical national elections.
“The support, or lack thereof, of governors often determines organizational strength and electoral success.”
